Laser Diode Focuss

[chklopper]

Hi

I just need to know one thing the laser diodes taken from DVD writers are they used as is or are there extra stuff to put on these diode for example focusing lenses and heat sinks ens. Everybody is talking about drivers and that it is working but nobody gives a detail description what to do with the laser diode once extracted from the DVD writer.

Thanks

[ElectroNick]

Hello and welcome to the forums!

Yes, you do need what they call a "housing" for the laser diode. It's usually just a small cylinder with an opening the size of the laser diode on one end and 10.5mm thread on the other to hold the screw-in lens. Look up "Aixiz" - it's one of the brands of such housings. Also try "O-Like" - another brand from China.

You will need to pick one that matches the size of the can lip (the larger diameter) of your laser diode. Common sizes are 5.6mm and 9mm. Sometimes 3.8mm, and sometimes the size and shape of the diode is just too uncommon to find a housing. I did a write-up on making a housing from small brass plumbing fittings here Laser Diode Housing from Hardware Store Parts  - that was done for a laser diode of an odd 12mm size. Hopefully you will be able to just find a standard housing for yours - those factory-made housings are obviously better quality than  DIY ones.